Rfid protection device, and related methods

ABSTRACT

Devices and methods of preventing data transfer between an RFID reader and an RFID device to be protected, are provided. An example of an embodiment of an RFID signal capture device includes a container, a signal capture circuit configured to substantially disrupt the signal provided by the RFID reader when the RFID signal capture device is positioned to protect the RFID device, and an interrogation indictor configured to indicate to a user of the RFID device that an unauthorized RFID reader is attempting to interrogate the RFID device when the RFID signal capture device is positioned in close proximity to the RFID device to provide protection thereto and when the RFID reader is producing the interrogation signal.

1. RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to andthe benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/581,896, filed Oct.17, 2006, titled “RFID Protection System, Device, Combination, andRelated Methods,” which claims the priority to and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/731,750, filed Oct. 31, 2005,titled “RFID Protection System, Device, Combination, and RelatedMethods,” each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of contactless circuitry and,more particularly, to Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) devicesand methods related to prevent the unauthorized interrogation andtracking thereof.

2. Description of Related Art

Theft of credit or debit card information and identification has becomerampant worldwide. Governments, companies, and consumers spend millionsof dollars each year to prevent and pursue such thefts.

Over the years, various types of identification technology have beenused for credit or debit cards and for identification. These, forexample, have included pin numbers, bar codes, and magnetic strips. Morerecently, however, steps have been taken to use RFID or othercontactless chip technology in association with credit or debit cards,passports, documents, and other areas where identification, includingportable and remote, are desired. An example of such applications ofRFID can be seen in a recent news article titled “Contactless Traveling”by Wright (Electronic Design News (EDN) Jul. 7, 2005) for passportapplications.

Other types of uses of RFID have emerged, not necessarily coincidingwith the desires of the owner of the RFID device. For example, someretailers have instituted what can only be considered inappropriatetracking of the RFID device users in order to analyze their buyinghabits. Such tracking ability may provide government agencies an abilityto continually track an individual's movements. Although appearingsomewhat futuristic, it would appear that various governments arecurrently spending billions of dollars for data mining operation centersto collect data on various commercial transactions. Eventually they mayembed RFID tags into all required government documents. Variousgovernment agencies would know this and could use the various trackingtechniques to track of any individual's movements by pinging theindividual's RFID device at opportune locations with RFID interrogationdevices or other forms of RFID readers.

The recent developments in technology do not fully address potentialsecurity breaches of the RFID such as when an unauthorized RFIDinterrogation or reading device attempts to extract the RFID informationor track the RFID device, especially when a user or possessor of an RFIDdevice is unsuspecting or not cognizant that the RFID device is beinginterrogated.

Others have attempted solutions at creating blocking RFID devices toenhance privacy. Examples can be seen in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2004/0222878 A1 by Juels titled “Low-ComplexityCryptographic Techniques For Use With Radio Frequency IdentificationDevices,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,970,070, by Juels, et al. titled “Method andApparatus For Selective Blocking of Radio Frequency IdentificationDevices,” and U.S. Pat. No. 7,298,243 by Juels, et al. titled “RadioFrequency Identification System With Privacy Policy Implementation Basedon Device Classification.” Such attempted solutions, however, do notprovide a protection capability that can be applied independent of theinformation contained in the RFID device to be protected, or thelocation of the device with respect to the external environment. Thatis, such devices generally either require a classification engine,require positioning in a designated privacy zone, require application ofa specified privacy policy, require knowledge of the identifier of thedevice to be protected, or require some form of information encryption.

Accordingly, there still exists a need for a simple, flexible, andpractical security and privacy protection solution for RFID and othercontactless circuitry or chip devices, which can prevent a transmissionfrom an RFID reader or scanner from activating an RFID device, which canprevent the reader from receiving readable data if activated, and whichcan indicate to the user when an RFID reader or scanner is attempting tointerrogate the user's RFID device. There also exists a need for asimple, flexible, and practical security and privacy protection solutionwhich can be restricted to functioning only when in close proximity tothe device to be protected, regardless of the location of the devicewith respect to the external environment, and that will not interferewith the operation of an RFID device reader or scanner when notpositioned in close proximity to the device to be protected.

Factors such as expense, size, practical and flexible use requirementsfor RFID and other contactless chip technology create problems andbarriers for widespread use in many applications. Accordingly, therefurther exists a need for a solution that provide users of RFID devicesincreased flexibility with little or no increase in expense or size, andyet effectively block or otherwise prevent unauthorized access to RFIDinformation associated with the RFID device to be protected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, various embodiments of the present inventionadvantageously provide combinations, devices, and methods of enhancedRFID protection against unauthorized reading or interrogation of an RFIDdevice, which can prevent a transmission from a reader or scanner fromactivating an RFID device, which can prevent the reader from receivingreadable data if activated, and which can indicate to the user when anRFID reader or scanner is attempting to interrogate the user's RFIDdevice. Various embodiment of the present invention also advantageouslyinclude combinations, devices, and methods that can advantageouslyprovide users of RFID devices increased flexibility with little or noincrease in expense or size and yet effectively block unauthorizedaccess to RFID information associated with a device. Various embodimentsof the present invention also advantageously provide personal privacycountermeasures, not just in the form of data protection, but protectionof financial or other personal information and/or a unique indicator(e.g., credit/debit card account number, account ID, PIN, licensenumber, Social Security number, employee identification number, etc.)from being logged without the individual's knowledge. Variousembodiments of the present invention can perform such objectives bymaking the RFID device functionally invisible to the RFID reader whenthe RFID device is being protected.

An example of an embodiment of the present invention provides acombination of a separate RFID device and a separate RFID signal capturedevice each configured to be positioned separately into a container.More specifically, the combination includes a separate RFID devicecarrying and RFID transponder (tag) configured to be positioned in thecontainer and a separate RFID signal capture device configured to bepositioned adjacent the separate RFID device and in the container sothat when an unauthorized RFID interrogation device attempts tointerrogate the separate RFID device from within the container, theseparate RFID signal capture device positioned adjacent the separateRFID device blocks or otherwise prevents the attempted read, andconfigured so that when an authorized user desires to use the separateRFID device for an authorized read, the authorized user selectivelyremoves either the separate RFID device or the separate RFID signalcapture device from being adjacent each other and presents the separateRFID device for the authorized read.

Another example of an embodiment of a device to prevent unauthorizedRFID interrogation when the device is positioned adjacent a separateRFID device, includes an RFID signal capture device including anincoming signal detector configured to detect an incoming signalattempting to interrogate the separate RFID device responsive to thedetection of the incoming interrogation signal to respond to theincoming interrogation signal with disruptive read signals.

Another example of an embodiment of a device for preventing unauthorizedRFID interrogation when the device is positioned adjacent a separateRFID device, includes an RFID signal capture device including anincoming signal detector to detect incoming RFID interrogation signalsresponsive thereto, and an RFID interferer to interfere with activationof operation ability of the separate RFID device responsive to theincoming signal detector.

Another example of an embodiment of a device to prevent unauthorizedRFID interrogation includes an RFID signal capture device that workswith the RF carrier of the tag/transponder circuit of an RFID device tobe protected using any standard modulation or data protocol, such as,for example, ASK, FSK, or PSK, etc. Advantageously, the RFID signalcapture device, according to this exemplary embodiment, does notdirectly emit or radiate signals, but rather, only captures the signalfrom the tag and disrupts the normal operation of the tag of the RFIDdevice to be protected. The tag of the RFID device can include an LCtuned circuit, for example, set to 13.56 MHz for operations with RFIDdevices and RFID readers that communicate using this frequency. The RFIDsignal capture device can inductively couple with the LC tuned circuitof the tag of the RFID device to disrupt the signal received by the RFIDdevice. Note, because of the coupling of the RFID signal capture devicewith the REID tag of the RFID device to be protected, a 6.78 MHz signalat ½ the power and/or a 26 MHz (second harmonic) may be present tofurther disrupt the normal operation of the tag. This configuration hasbeen found through testing to allow the RFID signal capture device toprovide protection to an RFID device at all distances from the RFIDreader when placed, for example, within ½ inch (12 mm) or so of the tagof the RFID device.

Further, because the antenna/coil/transceiver portion of the RFID signalcapture device is not a tuned circuit, according to this configuration,advantageously, the RFID signal capture device affects only the tag whenin close proximity as it must couple with the tuned circuit of the tagto operably function. As such, when not coupled with a tag, the devicehas substantially no effect on either the RFID device (or devices/tags)to be protected or on the RFID reader. Testing of the RFID signalcapture device according to this configuration showed that the RFIDreader could still read RFID tags not coupled with the RFID signalcapture device even when the device was physically placed on the reader.That is, as noted above, the RFID signal capture device, according tothis configuration, is activated by the electrical field that isproduced at the RFID tag's coil/antenna, and not merely from theincoming signal from the RFID reader independent of the RFID device tobe protected.

The RFID signal capture device can advantageously include an internalphase capture that changes the impedance of the tag's tuned circuit,which causes a phase variance of the 13.56 MHz carrier for the RFID tagwhen in close proximity, thus, inhibiting the tag of the protected RFIDdevice from responding to the reader. Also advantageously, the RFIDsignal capture device can be configured to function without a permanentinternal power source, thus preventing the RFID signal capture devicefrom radiating a signal without the passive RFID tag or tuned circuit toallow power harvesting, so that the device can only be activated whenthe electrical field is present in the RFID tag and when the two devicesare in close proximity. In other words, the RFID signal capture deviceceases to function when the field is removed—i.e., when the RFID signalcapture device and the RFID device to be protected are sufficientlyphysically separated, regardless of the position of the RFID reader.

Advantageously, by providing user separable RFID or other contactlesscircuitry signal capture devices and RFID or other contactless circuitrydevices, various embodiments of combinations, devices and methods of thepresent invention advantageously provide flexibility, portability, anduser controlled protection for a user's RFID or other contactlesscircuitry device.

Another example of an embodiment of a device to prevent unauthorizedRFID interrogation (e.g., an RFID signal capture device), for example,performs such actions by preventing data transfer between a nearby RFIDreader including an RFID reader inductor and an RFID tag including anRFID tag inductor/coil (“antenna”), for example, carried by a personalidentification or financial transaction medium, which together form anRFID device to be protected. The device can include a container, asignal capture circuit carried by the container, and an interrogationindicator carried by the container.

The container can be, for example, in the form of a plastic card similarto a standard credit/debit card, an ID device or passport, oralternatively in another form such as, for example, a wallet, purse,card carrier, or other medium to carry both the RFID device to beprotected and the RFID signal capture device. In the alternative form, apocket or card holder section in the wallet, purse, etc., canadvantageously have the RFID signal capture device embedded therein toprotect any RFID devices (credit, debit, phone cards, etc., or ID cards)when stowed away in the respective wallet, purse, etc.

The signal capture circuit of the RFID signal capture device can beconfigured to mutually inductively couple with the RFID tag whenpositioned in close proximity thereto and when the RFID reader isproducing an interrogation signal to thereby effectively prevent datatransfer between the RFID tag and the RFID reader. The signal capturecircuit can include a signal capture circuit antenna separate from theantenna of the tag of the RFID device to be protected, but neverthelesspositioned to receive an interrogation signal carrying a data signalfrom the RFID reader directed to the RFID device to be protected, andcan include a signal processing portion operably coupled thereto. Thesignal processing portion can include a timing synchronizer and anamplifier/transistor/amplifier module positioned to return a modifiedcarrier signal responsive to the interrogation signal to therebyeffectively prevent the data transfer between the RFID reader and theRFID tag.

The interrogation indicator of the RFID signal capture device can beconfigured to indicate to a user of the RFID device carrying the RFIDtag that the RFID reader is attempting to interrogate the RFID tag whenboth positioned in close proximity to the RFID tag and when the RFIDreader is producing the interrogation signal. The interrogator indicatorcan include an interrogation indicator antenna positioned to receive aninterrogation signal from the RFID reader, a power circuit or module toharvest power and/or extended storage of power, and an indicator circuitmodule or other form of circuit including an audible indicator and/or avisual indicator, configured to indicate to the user of the RFID tagthat the RFID reader is attempting to interrogate the RFID tag when RFIDsignal capture device is positioned in close proximity to the RFID tagand when the RFID reader is producing the interrogation signal.

Another example of an embodiment of a device to prevent unauthorizedRFID interrogation, for example, by preventing data transfer between anearby RFID reader and an RFID device to be protected provides an RFIDsignal capture device including a container, a signal capture circuitcarried by the container and configured to mutually inductively couplewith the RFID tag when positioned in close proximity thereto and whenthe RFID reader is producing an interrogation signal, and can include aninterrogation indicator carried by the container and configured toindicate to a user of the RFID tag when positioned in close proximitythereto and when the RFID reader is producing the interrogation signalthat the RFID reader is attempting to interrogate the RFID tag.

The interrogation indicator can include an antenna positioned to receivean interrogation signal from the RFID reader, a voltage rectifierpositioned to provide operational interrogator indicator circuit powerresponsive to the interrogation signal, and an indicator including anaudible indicator and/or a visual indicator configured to indicate tothe user of the RFID tag that the RFID reader is attempting tointerrogate the RFID tag when RFID signal capture device is positionedin close proximity to the RFID tag and when the RFID reader is producingthe interrogation signal.

The RFID signal capture device, according to this configuration, canadvantageously not only indicate the presence of an interrogationsignal, but can also substantially disrupt the signal provided by theRFID reader so that the RFID device to be protected cannot properlyidentify the timing signal provided by the reader, and even ifidentified, cannot properly extract the data provided by the RFID readersufficient to be able to respond to thereby effectively prevent datatransfer between the RFID tag and the RFID reader. Further, even ifobtaining sufficient data to respond, the RFID signal capture device canadvantageously substantially disrupt the signal provided by the RFIDdevice to be protected so that the RFID reader is unable to extractsufficient data provided by the RFID device to be protected to eitherobtain the protected information or to identify the user in order totrack the actions or movement of the user.

Another example of an embodiment of a device to prevent unauthorizedRFID interrogation, for example, by preventing data transfer between anearby RFID reader and an RFID device to be protected, includes acontainer and a signal capture circuit carried by the container andconfigured to mutually inductively couple with the RFID transponder whenpositioned in close proximity thereto and when the RFID reader isproducing an interrogation signal of sufficient strength to interrogatethe RFID transponder and to prevent data transfer between the RFIDtransponder and the RFID reader responsive to being positioned in closeproximity to the RFID transponder and responsive to the RFID readerproducing an interrogation signal of sufficient strength to interrogatethe RFID transponder.

Embodiments of methods of enhancing protection against unauthorizedinterrogation of an RFID or other contactless circuitry device, are alsoprovided. An example of an embodiment of a method can includepositioning a separate RFID signal capture device adjacent a separateRFID device to block RFID interrogation and selectively separating theseparate RFID device from the separate RFID signal capture device forauthorized interrogation of the separate RFID device. Another example ofan embodiment of a method of enhanced protection against unauthorizedinterrogation of a contactless circuiting device includes positioning aseparate contactless circuitry signal capture device in association witha container and adjacent a separate contactless circuitry device tothereby block unauthorized interrogation of the separate contactlesscircuitry device, and selectively separating the separate contactlesscircuitry device from being adjacent the separate contactless circuitryblock device for authorized interrogation of the separate contactlesscircuitry device.

Another example of an embodiment of a method can include inductivelycoupling an RFID signal capture device with the RFID tag (or multipletags) being protected and the RFID reader to thereby effectively preventdata transfer between the RFID tag and the nearby RFID reader when theRFID signal capture device is positioned by a user in close proximity tothe RFID tag and when the RFID reader is producing an interrogationsignal, and inductively coupling the RFID signal capture device with theRFID tag when positioned in close proximity to the RFID tag and when theRFID tag is producing a reply to an interrogation signal.

The method can also include indicating to the user of the RFID tag thatthe RFID reader is attempting to interrogate the RFID tag when the RFIDreader is producing the interrogation signal and when the RFID signalcapture device is in close proximity to the RFID tag, whereby suchindication is not provided when the RFID signal capture device is not inclose proximity to the RFID reader (i.e., when the indicator circuit isnot receiving a sufficient signal strength). The indicating can includeilluminating a visual indicator carried by the RFID signal capturedevice, and/or sounding an audible indicator carried by the RFID signalcapture device.

The method can also include the step of allowing data to transferbetween the RFID device and an RFID reader by selectively substantiallyseparating the RFID signal capture device from being adjacent the RFIDtag to allow authorized interrogation of the RFID tag. Accordingly, theRFID signal capture device can be configured to not interfere withoperation of the RFID reader when the RFID signal capture device is notpositioned in close proximity to an RFID tag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the features and advantages of theinvention, as well as others which will become apparent, may beunderstood in more detail, a more particular description of theinvention briefly summarized above may be bad by reference to theembodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings,which form a part of this specification. It is to be noted, however,that the drawings illustrate only various embodiments of the inventionand are therefore not to be considered limiting of the invention's scopeas it may include other effective embodiments as well.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combination of a separate RFID deviceand a separate RFID signal capture device positioned in a containeraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic environmental view of a separate RFID device beinginterrogated by an RFID interrogation device;

FIG. 3 is a schematic environment view of a combination of a separateRFID device and a separate RFID signal capture device configured to bepositioned in a container according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an RFID signal capture device accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating inductive coupling between anRFID reader and an RFID device;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating data transmission between anRFID reader and an RFID device;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a signal capture circuit of an RFIDsignal capture device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a signal capture circuit of an RFIDsignal capture device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a signal capture circuit of an RFIDsignal capture device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a signal capture circuit of an RFIDsignal capture device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a signal capture circuit of an RFIDsignal capture device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an RFID signal capture devicepositioned in close proximity to an RFID device to be protected beinginterrogated by an RFID reader according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an RFID signal capture deviceinductively coupling with an RFID device to be protected in response toan interrogation by an RFID reader according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an audible/vibratory form of aninterrogation indicator circuit of an RFID signal capture deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a visual form of an interrogationindicator circuit of an RFID signal capture device according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is an image of a spectrum produced by an RFID reader with noRFID tags or RFID signal capture devices present;

FIG. 17 is an image of a spectrum produced by an RFID reader with anRFID signal capture device positioned adjacent the RFID reader, with noRFID tags present according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is an image of a spectrum under normal read operations betweenan RFID reader and an RFID tag showing both carrier and data signatures;

FIG. 19 is an image of a spectrum when an RFID signal capture device isplaced adjacent an RFID tag during an attempted interrogation by an RFIDreader according to embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is an image of a spectrum when an RFID signal capture device andtest instrument antenna is placed adjacent an RFID tag during anattempted interrogation by an RFID reader, resulting in a parasiticoscillation;

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of a carrier wave emanating from an RFIDreader during normal operations;

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of an example representation of thecarrier wave of FIG. 21 being phase and amplitude adjusted as a resultof positioning the RFID signal capture device in close proximity to theRFID tag according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a data signal emanating from an RFIDreader during normal operations;

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of an example representation of the datasignal of FIG. 23 being phase and amplitude adjusted as a result ofpositioning the RFID signal capture device in close proximity to theRFID tag according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an RFID device positioned in acontainer;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an RFID device positioned in acontainer, positioned in a pocket of a user, and being interrogated byan unauthorized interrogator with an RFID interrogation device;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a combination of a separate RFID deviceand a separate RFID signal capture device positioned in a containeraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is an environmental view of the combination of a separate RFIDdevice and a separate RFID signal capture device positioned in acontainer as illustrated in FIG. 25, positioned in a pocket of anauthorized user, and being interrogated by an unauthorized interrogatorwith an RFID interrogation device according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 29 is an environmental view of an authorized user using a separateRFID device for an authorized RFID read after selective removal of thesame from a container having a combination of a separate RFID and aseparate RFID signal capture device positioned therein according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is an environmental view of a separate RFID device beingreturned to a container so that the container has a combination of aseparate RFID device and a separate RFID signal capture device accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a schematic view of an RFID device positioned in a container;

FIG. 32 is a schematic view of a combination of separate RFID device anda separate RFID signal capture device positioned in the container shownin FIG. 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 33 is a schematic block flow diagram of a method of preventing datatransfer between an REID reader and an RFID tag according to anembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments ofthe invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theillustrated embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Prime notation, if used,indicates similar elements in alternative embodiments. Note, as usedherein, the terms “nearby” and “in close proximity” generally meanapproximately within the interrogation response field of the referred toradiofrequency identification (RFID) device, interrogation responsefield of the referred to RFID signal capture device, and/orinterrogation range of the referred to RFID interrogator or otherreader.

As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 1-5, various embodiments of the presentinvention provide a RFID signal capture device 40 including, forexample, a signal capture circuit 43 carried by a container (e.g.,plastic card 41) configured to effectively prevent data transfer betweena nearby RFID interrogator/scanner or other form of RFID reader 50 (see,e.g., FIG. 26) as known and understood by those skilled in the art, andan RFID device 30 including an RFID transponder or other circuittypically referred to as an RFID tag 33 as known and understood by thoseskilled in the art, which is configured to inductively couple with anRFID reader circuit 53 of the RFID reader 50. The RFID signal capturedevice 40, for example, in a preferred configuration, can protect theinformation contained in the RFID tag 33 carried by various RFID devices30 including any standard ISO 14443 and ISO 15593 credit or personal IDcard, etc., from being read surreptitiously. Beneficially, the preferredconfiguration of the RFID signal capture device 40 requires that thedevice 40 be in close proximity to the RFID card(s) or other devices 30to be protected, as shown, for example, in FIG. 3, in order to performits protective function. That is, according to the preferredconfiguration, when the device 40 is not near an RFID card(s)/device(s)30 to be protected, i.e., not within the interrogation response field ore-field 37 (see, e.g., FIG. 2), it will be powered down and will notinterfere with the normal operation of the RFID reader 50.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 5, in order to function properly,inductively coupled passive RFID systems as known and understood bythose skilled in the art, need good coupling and maximum energy transferfrom the RFID reader circuit 53 of the RFID reader 50 to RFID tag 33.For this reason, such systems generally use parallel inductor-capacitor(“LC”) circuits in the tag antenna 35 and series LC circuits in thereader antenna 55, as understood by those skilled in the art. Togenerate the maximum power field in the RFID device 30, the RFID readercircuit 53 of the RFID reader 50 is generally designed to achievemaximum coil/antenna current at the resonant frequency. Since currentthrough a coil generates a magnetic field, this field is generallymaximized in a series LC circuit, whose impedance approaches zero atresonance. To maximize the voltage gain at resonance in an RFID tag 33,a parallel LC circuit is typically used which provides an impedance thatapproaches infinity at resonance. In a system designed to read standardISO 14443 and ISO 15593 cards 30, for example, the power provided by anappropriate RFID reader 50, or more particularly, the RFID readercircuit 53 of the RFID reader 50, generates at least a 3-volt field inthe RFID tag 33 when it is placed in proximity. Note, hereinafter, theterms RFID reader circuit 53 and RFID reader 50 may be usedinterchangeably for illustrative purposes.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 6, during normal operation of a financialor personal transaction between an RFID reader 50 and an RFID device 30,the RFID reader circuit 53 of the RFID reader 50 provides power, clock,and data for the tag 33 of the RFID device 30. The tag 33 will then“talk” back to the RFID reader 50 with the account number and otherinformation as understood by those skilled in the art. Most credit cardtransactions are very quick since the data transfer rate is quite high.

As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 7-8 and 12-13, and as will be describedin more detail later, the signal capture circuit 43 of the RFID signalcapture device 40 according to the illustrated configuration, has notuned circuit on the antenna, and therefore, must be coupled with theRFID device 30, for example, in order to be active. Once the RFID tag 33comes into contact with a signal from the RFID reader 50 (i.e., RFIDreader circuit 53) having a sufficient signal strength, the signalcapture circuit 43 of the RFID signal capture device 40 becomesinductively coupled with the RFID tag 33 of the RFID device 30 in atransformer-type circuit. Once sufficient operating power is achieved,the signal capture circuit 43 begins to disrupt communication betweenthe RFID device 30 and the RFID reader 50. According to the exemplaryconfiguration, this can be accomplished by capturing the e-field 37 ofthe tag 33 to thereby prevent the tag 33 from “seeing” the RFID reader'sdata. In this configuration, the signal capture circuit 43 uses energyfrom the field 37 of the tag 33 of the RFID device 30, and does not emitsignals back to the RFID reader 50 when not coupled with the tag 33 ofthe RFID device 30. Further, in this configuration, when a “nearby”multiple tags 33 and when each tag 33 is receiving a sufficient signalstrength from the RFID reader 50, the un-tuned signal capture circuit 43captures the e-field of at least one tag 33, but more preferably, eachof the tags 33, simultaneously, in order to protect all of the tags 33.

Inductively coupled systems, including passive 13.56-MHz RFID systemsused by the financial services industry, for example, generally behavelike loosely coupled transformers (see, e.g., FIG. 5) as understood bythose skilled in the art. The magnetic coupling between the primarywinding (e.g., reader antenna coil 55) and secondary winding (tagantenna coil 35) conveys power from RFID reader 50 to the RFID tag 33.Tuned LC circuits are typically used at these frequencies to maximizecoupling between the primary and secondary winding. The RFID reader 50continuously emits RF carrier signals and observes any received RFsignals for data.

Under normal unprotected operations, when within range of a passive RFIDtransponder, such as tag 33, for example, the presence of the tag 33modulates the RF field generated by the RFID reader circuit 53 of theRFID reader 50. The RFID reader circuit 53 correspondingly detects suchmodulation. Prior to modulating the RF field, the passively configuredtag 33 absorbs a small amount of energy emitted by the RFID readercircuit 53, which is used by the tag 33 to effectively transfer “send”the modulated data once sufficient energy is acquired from the RF fieldgenerated by the RFID reader circuit 53. The RFID reader circuit 53demodulates the signals modulated by the tag 33, and decodes theinformation for further processing. For RFID devices 30 expecting to beutilized in the presence of other RFID devices 30 and RFID devices 30carrying multiple RFID tags 33, the tags 33 may be configured with ananti-collision protocol, described later, which in a typical example,can cause each RFID tag 33 to slightly off-tune. Similarly, the RFIDreader circuit 53 may be configured with an anti-collision protocolwhich can cause the RFID reader 50 to slightly off-tune.

Under protected operations, i.e., when the signal capture circuit 43 ofthe RFID signal capture device 40 is positioned in close proximity tothe RFID tag 33, or vice versa, the e-field 37 required by the RFID tag33 is disrupted. When protecting multiple closely positioned RFID tags33, simultaneously, the inductive coupling of the RFID signal capturedevice 40 can be with only one of the RFID tags 33 to sufficientlydisrupt or suppress the e-field 37 of each RFID tag 33. Note, any sinewave signal will activate the RFID signal capture device 40 provided thepower level is strong enough, and the RFID signal capture device 40 isin close proximity to the RFID tag 33. As such, according to theexemplary configuration, protection can be provided to each of the RFIDtags 33, as long as the RFID tags 33 are within the e-field 47 of thesignal capture circuit 43 of the RFID signal capture device 40 whenbeing activated.

According to the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 12-13, atime-variant field from the RFID reader circuit 53, which readercoil/antenna 55 generates and the tag coil/antenna 35 receives, inducescurrent and voltage across the tag coil/antenna 35 as understood bythose skilled in the art. The signal capture circuit 43 of the RFIDsignal capture device 40 effectively captures this energy when coupledwith an RFID tag 33 and performs one or more disruptive functions whichresultingly prevent any useful data exchange. Such disruptive functionscan include frequency-based data modulation (e.g., frequency shiftkeying or analog frequency modulation), phase-based data modulation(e.g., phase shift keying or analog phase modulation), and/oramplitude-based data modulation (e.g., amplitude shiftkeying/backscatter modulation, on-off shift keying, tuning-detuning, orvarious forms of digital or analog amplitude modulation) as understoodby those skilled in the art.

Further, as perhaps best shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, and as will bedescribed in more detail later, the RFID signal capture device 40,according to the illustrated configuration, can include an interrogationindicator 63 configured to indicate to a user of the RFID device 30 thatan RFID interrogator or other reader 50 is attempting to interrogate theRFID tag 33, or more particularly, to indicate when the interrogationindicator 63 of the RFID signal capture device 40 is receiving a signalof sufficient strength to interrogate the RFID tag 33, regardless ofposition—i.e., when the RFID reader 50 is producing aninterrogation/read signal (i.e., power and/or handshake signal)sufficient to read data from the RFID tag 33 of the RFID device 30(i.e., sufficient when not being protected). This embodiment of theinterrogation indicator 63, can beneficially allow the user to sweep anarea or location with the RFID signal capture device 40 to determinewhether or not an RFID reader 50 signal is being generated, and/or toindicate that an RFID reader 50 is generating an interrogation signal ofsufficient strength when the RFID tag 33 is being protected against anunauthorized interrogation/read signal having a substantially sufficientstrength to read data from the RFID tag 33. In a first alternateconfiguration, the interrogation indicator 63 can identify aninterrogation signal having a signal strength substantially less thanthat required to read the protected RFID device 30, but greater thanthat of background noise. In a second alternate embodiment of theinterrogation indicator 63, the interrogation indicator 63 can beconfigured to indicate that an RFID reader 50 is generating aninterrogation signal of sufficient strength to read data from the RFIDdevice 30 only when the RFID tag 33 is positioned in close proximity tothe signal capture circuit 43 of the RFID signal capture device 40 andwhen the RFID reader circuit 53 of the RFID reader 50 is producing aninterrogation/read signal sufficient to read data from the RFID device30.

The interrogation indicator 63 can include an interrogation indicatorantenna 65 as understood by those skilled in the art, positioned toreceive an interrogation signal from the RFID reader circuit 53 of theRFID reader 50, and an indicator such as, for example, anaudible/vibration indicator 67 (e.g., piezoelectric, etc.) and/or avisual indicator 68 (e.g., LED, color sensitive film, etc.) asunderstood by those skilled in the art, configured to alert the user ofthe RFID device 30 of the presence of an interrogation signal (i.e.,that the RFID reader 50 is attempting to interrogate the RFID tag 33)when RFID signal capture device 40 is positioned in close proximity tothe RFID tag 33 and when the RFID reader 50 is producing theinterrogation signal. Regardless of the configuration, an indication ofattempted or actual data transfer can be provided in the form of achirping of the audible/vibration indicator 67 or a flicker of thevisual indicator 68. Similarly, an indication of an attempted or actualinterrogation without data transfer or an interrogation where the datasignal riding on the carrier signal is, for example, too high to bevisually or audibly distinguished from the carrier signal can beprovided, for example, in the form of a relatively constant tone or humprovided by the audible/vibration detector 67 or a relatively steady orcontinuous illumination of the visual indicator 68. One of ordinaryskill in the art should recognize that other audible/vibration andvisual indications are within the scope of the present invention.

According to a preferred configuration, the antenna or antennae 65 isindependent of the RFID signal capture device antenna (e.g., signalcapture circuit antenna/assembly 45), and the RFID device antenna 35.According to embodiments using physical circuit elements (e.g., wire,fiber optics, chemicals, or inks), the indicator 63 can also include avoltage rectifier 69 to increase the power harvesting capability of theindicator 63.

Note, although illustrated in the form of electricity conductingcircuits, the interrogation indicator 63 can alternatively take the formof a chemical combination or compound as known to the skilled in theart, positioned on a surface of the RFID signal capture device 40, whichwill illuminate (e.g., glow) when exposed to the carrier frequency ofthe RFID reader 50, to indicate the presence of an RFID interrogationsignal to the user.

Various tests were performed on an example of an embodiment of the RFIDsignal capture device 40 for the protection of a RFID device 30 in theform of various credit cards containing an RFID tag 33. Most of thepreliminary testing on standard ISO 14443 and ISO 15593 cards creditcards showed that the cards could be read from as much 6 to 8 inchesfrom the transmit antenna/coil 35 of the RFID reader 50. Hackers,however, have shown that these cards can be read from several feet awayusing illegal readers. Nevertheless, even FCC compliant readers can besmall, portable and wireless, and will fit into a handbag or other smallcase, to facilitate an unauthorized interrogation to acquire criticalcredit card or other personal information.

FIG. 16 illustrates a display of a spectral analyzer showing thespectrum at 71 of a 13.56 MHz RFID reader 50, with no RFID tags 33 orRFID signal capture devices 40 present, as “seen” by a tunedinstrumentation pickup test antenna (not shown) of a spectral analyzer(not shown) placed approximately 12 inches over the reader's antenna 55.The spectral analyzer was set with a center at −30 db with a −70 dbfull-scale to the noise, 5 MHZ per division, and with the test antennapositioned approximately 12 inches from the RFID reader 50. The noiseshown at 72 around bottom of the spectrum is ambient noise. There areoccasional sweeps of data as the RFID reader 50 polls for tags 33. Theleft most spectrum is the zero reference and the center most spectrum isthe 13.56 MHz carrier of the RFID reader 50 used in the test.

FIG. 17 illustrates the spectrum shown at 71′ of the RFID reader 50 witha RFID signal capture device 40 having a signal capture circuit 43according to the configuration shown in FIG. 7, placed 2 inches fromreader antenna 55, with no RFID tag 33 present. It can be seen from thedisplayed spectrum that the RFID signal capture device 40 did notactivate in absence of an RFID tag 33.

FIG. 18 illustrates the spectrum shown at 71″ of the RFID reader 50under a normal read operation with an RFID device 30 to be protected inthe form of an American Express® Blue Card containing an RFID tag 33placed on the RFID reader 50 with the instrumentation pickup antenna(not shown) positioned adjacent to the RFID reader antenna 55. The datashown at 73 is at the base of the center-most spectrum 73 (13.56 MHzbirdie).

FIG. 19 illustrates the spectrum shown at 71′″ when the RFID signalcapture device 40 is placed on the RFID test device 30 including RFIDtag 33. It can be seen that no successful data transfer is present whenthe RFID signal capture device 40 is next to the RFID device 30 undertest (American Express® Blue Card).

FIG. 20 illustrates the spectrum shown at 71″′ when the RFID signalcapture device 40 and the RFID device 30 under test (containing an RFIDtag 33) are placed together with the RFID reader antenna 55 andinstrumentation pickup antenna (tuned sampling antenna). The result isparasitic oscillation shown at 74, which are no longer present when thedevices 30, 40, are moved approximate 2 inches away from the RFID reader50, so that the RFID signal capture device 40 cannot couple with theRFID reader antenna 55. Note, the parasitic oscillation may further bethe result of the instrumentation pickup antenna being in closeproximity to the RFID signal capture device 40.

In summary, it was shown by the testing that the signals created by theRFID signal capture device 40 are parasitic to the RFID tag 33 of theRFID device 30 under test, at least partially as a result of capturingthe data signal between the RFID tag 33 and the RFID reader 50 in orderto phase cancel the carrier. During the test, the data signalsconsistently registered at −30 db below the normal signal level of the13.56 MHz carrier, with a bandwidth of about 1 MHz. The data shown onthe display of the spectrum analyzer is from the powered RFID reader 50and not the RFID tag 33 of the device 30 under test. The signal levelsof the RFID tag 33 and the RFID signal capture device 40 (both passive)are so low that they could not be seen without placing theinstrumentation pickup antenna directly on top of the devices 30, 40.The addition of a tuned coil antenna into the coupled field caused thesignal displayed on the spectrum analyzer to oscillate (over-sample).

As identified previously, the RFID signal capture circuit 43 for theRFID signal capture device 40 is specifically designed to effectivelyprevent data transfer between an RFID tag (transponder) 33 of an RFIDdevice 30 and a RFID reader 50 attempting an unauthorized interrogationof data from the tag 33, when positioned in close contact with the RFIDdevice 30, to thereby perform various privacy functions including theprevention of unauthorized data access and/or the prevention of trackingthe movement of the user of the RFID device 30, while allowing accesswhen not positioned in close contact. To accomplish such functions, thecircuit 43 is generally configured: to mutually inductively couple withthe RFID tag (or tags) 33 when positioned in close proximity thereto andwhen the RFID reader 50 is producing an interrogation signal; tomutually inductively couple with the RFID reader 50 when positioned inclose proximity to the RFID tag 33 (or at least one of the tags 33, buttypically all of the tags 33, if simultaneously protecting multiple tags33) when the RFID reader 50 is producing an interrogation signal; tomutually inductively couple with the RFID tag or tags 33 when positionedin close proximity to the RFID tag or tags 33 and when the respectiveRFID tag or tags 33 are producing a reply to interrogation signal in thepresence of the RFID reader 50; and to remain inert when not positionedin close proximity to the RFID device (or devices) 30 carrying the RFIDtag or tags 33 to not interfere with operation of the RFID reader 50 orthe RFID tag or tags 33, i.e., in order to allow the RFID reader 50 toconduct a transaction with the RFID device 30 or a selected one of theRFID devices 30. In order to remain inert when not positioned in closeproximity to the RFID device (or devices) 30, beneficially, the device40 can be configured to have no tuned circuit on the antenna/assembly45, resulting in a requirement for the device 40 to be inductivelycoupled with an RFID tag 33 of an RFID device 30 in order to beactivated.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an embodiment of the RFID signalcapture circuit 43 carried by the body 41 of the RFID signal capturedevice 40 (which can function as a container for the circuit 43). Theillustrated RFID signal capture circuit 43 includes a signal capturecircuit antenna/assembly 45 as understood by those skilled in the art,positioned to receive an interrogation signal including an interrogationcarrier signal carrying a data signal from the RFID reader 50, and asignal processing portion 49 operably coupled thereto. When configuredin the form of a passive or partially passive circuit, the signalprocessing portion 49 of the signal capture circuit 43 can include avoltage rectifier power/data separator, e.g., voltage rectifier 91, asunderstood by those skilled in the art, positioned to provideoperational power to the remainder of the signal processing portion 49responsive to the interrogation signal. In this configuration, thevoltage rectifier 91 is normally in the form of a full wave rectifier toprovide the maximum amount of power in the minimum amount of RFID readersignal transmission time. Further, according to a preferredconfiguration, the circuit 43 does not include a battery or otherlong-term storage device to power the signal capture circuit 43, andthus, will not transmit without receiving energy from an interrogationsignal when coupled with the RFID tag 33.

The signal processing portion 49 of the signal capture circuit 43 canfurther include a timing synchronizer 93 as would be understood by thoseskilled in the art, positioned to return a modified carrier signalresponsive to the interrogation signal. The modified carrier signal caninclude a phase-adjusted carrier signal generated in response to theinterrogation signal, and/or a synchronized carrier signal generated inresponse to the interrogation signal, for transmission as either asynchronized signal or phase adjusted signal, for example, by atransistor or amplifier 95 as would be understood by those skilled inthe art, coupled with the antenna/assembly 45. When provided as aphase-shifted carrier signal, the phase-shifted carrier signal returnedby the timing synchronizer 93 can have a phase shift of at leastapproximately 90 degrees to that of the interrogation carrier signal,but preferably has a phase shift of approximately 180 degrees, toeffectively cancel or at least severely disrupt any attempt by the RFIDreader 50 to transfer data to the RFID tag 33.

The signal capture circuit 43 can further include a time/data separator97 as would be understood by those skilled in the art, positioned toseparate the data signal from the interrogation signal to provide thetiming synchronizer 93 a timing reference to the interrogation carriersignal to facilitate the phase adjustment and/or synchronization, and adata detector 99 as would be understood by those skilled in the art,positioned to provide the data signal to the timing synchronizer 93 andpositioned to facilitate data modulation of the phase-adjusted carriersignal and/or data modulation of the synchronized carrier signal.Beneficially, the data modulated signal can have a different data signalthan the data signal received from the RFID reader 50 to thereby furthereffectively prevent data transfer between the RFID tag 33 and the RFIDreader 50. Note, it should be understood by one skilled in the art thatalthough shown as separate functional components, various methodologiesof implementing voltage rectifier 91, timing synchronizer 93, transistoror amplifier 95, time/data separator 97, and data detector 99, toinclude implementation as either separate modules or a single module, iswithin the scope of the illustrated embodiment of the present invention.

As noted previously, beneficially, the data modulation can includefrequency-based data modulation, phase-based data modulation,amplitude-based data modulation, and others known to those skilled inthe art, provided to prevent/disrupt the RFID tag 33 from being able toreceive or understand a transmission from the RFID reader 50 via theRFID reader circuit 53, and to prevent/disrupt the RFID reader 50 frombeing able to receive or understand a transmission from the RFID tag 33if the transmission from the RFID reader circuit 53 was received by theRFID tag 33. Various methods of providing preventive or disruptive phasemodulation of the carrier frequency were described above. Preventive ordisruptive frequency modulation can be provided by modulating asynchronized carrier frequency to provide different data, such as, forexample, random data, or data specifically at odds with the datadetected by data detector 99. According to an embodiment of the signalcapture circuit 43, both phase and frequency modulation can besimultaneously provided. Note, although the terminology phase modulationand frequency modulation are used, one skilled in the art shouldunderstand that such terminology refers to both analog modulation in itsvarious forms, and digital modulation (e.g., phase shift keying,frequency shift keying) in its various forms.

Similarly, preventive or disruptive amplitude modulation in its variousforms can be provided by either randomly adjusting the amplitude oradjusting the amplitude based on the data recognized, for example, bythe data detector 99. The carrier produced by the RFID reader circuit 53of the RFID reader 50 produces an AC voltage that is generated by the LCcircuit combination of the RFID tag 33 and in the signal capture circuit43 when inductively coupled with the RFID tag 33 via the signal capturecircuit antenna/assembly 45. This voltage is rectified by the voltagerectifier 91 to provide DC voltage to power the rest of the signalcapture circuit 43. Note, the analog modulation can be simultaneouslyprovided with phase modulation, frequency modulation, or both.

In amplitude shift keying, for example, a transistor oramplifier/amplifier module 95 manipulates the amplitude of the signal tocreate a logical “one” or “zero.” One methodology of amplitude shiftkeying can include application of a circuit 43′ having a tapped antennacoil/assembly 45′ as shown, for example, in FIG. 8, connected to amodulation transistor or amplifier 95 so that when the circuit is “on,”it effectively lowers the inductance of the antenna coil/assembly 45′.According to this exemplary methodology, when the signal capture circuit43′ is “off,” the RFID tag 33 “sees” an inductance and capacitance inparallel tuned to 13.56 MHz in this example. As the data is sent to theRFID tag 33 by the RFID reader circuit 53 of the RFID reader 50,however, the signal capture circuit 43′ turns “on” and “off” to producefalse data. That is, in this example, when a signal from the RFID readercircuit 53 is applied to the signal capture circuit 43′ and the circuit43′ is positioned in close proximity to the RFID tag 33, the LC circuitis tuned and detuned continuously at a rate equal to the frequency ofthe controlling signal. This control signal is used to alter the datadetected in the RFID reader circuit 53 as the amplitude-modulated formof the carrier. If of sufficient strength to be detected by the RFID tag33, the data detector used by the RFID tag 33 demodulates this falsesignal to try to extract information being sent from the RFID reader 50,which results in a communication failure between the RFID reader 50 andthe RFID device 30.

Another protection methodology that can be employed in conjunction withor as an alternative to the above described modulation forms includesusing the carrier frequency of the RFID reader 50 to generate a harmonicfrequency, e.g., 6.78 MHz and/or 27.12 MHz for a 13.56 MHz carrier, thatis, for example, approximately 70 percent or more in field strength tothat of the carrier frequency as seen by the RFID tag 33. This harmoniccan be radiated so that the data and timing present on the carrierfrequency of the RFID reader 50 are disrupted to the extent that theRFID reader/interrogator 50 is unable to communicate with the protectedRFID device 30. That is, since the RFID tag 33 of the RFID device 30cannot receive the data transmissions, it cannot communicate.

FIGS. 21-24 comparatively illustrate the functioning of the signalcapture circuit 43 shown, for example, in FIG. 7. FIG. 21, for example,illustrates a generic example representation of a carrier wave shown at81 as seen by an RFID tag, e.g., RFID tag 33, which would emanate fromthe RFID reader 50, and FIG. 23 illustrates an example of the power,timing, and data signals from the RFID reader 50 shown at 82, 83, and84, respectively. Specifically, FIG. 23 illustrates that an initialportion of the signal from the RFID reader 50 (power portion at 82)would be utilized by a passive RFID tag, e.g. RFID tag 33, to obtainpower to begin functioning, followed by a timing portion of the signalat 83, further followed by a validated data portion of the signal at 84,which the RFID tag 33 would need to receive in order to respond to theinterrogation.

FIG. 22 comparatively illustrates an example representation shown at 81′of the carrier wave 81 of FIG. 21 being phase and amplitude adjusted asa result of positioning the RFID signal capture device 40 in closeproximity to the RFID tag 33, and FIG. 24 comparatively illustrates theinsertion of random data shown at 84′ beginning during transmission ofthe “power” signal shown at 82′ which affects both the timing and thedata signals, thus preventing tag 33 recognizing any data provided bythe RFID reader 50 when the RFID signal capture device 40 in closeproximity to the RFID tag 33.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example of an embodiment of the RFID signalcapture circuit 43″ that can be carried by the body 41 of the RFIDsignal capture device 40. The illustrated RFID signal capture circuit43″ can include one or more receiver antennas 101, 103, as understood bythose skilled in the art, to assist in receiving RFID interrogationsignals, a receiver and demodulator 105, 107 to demodulate a receivedinterrogation signal, a power generator module 109, 111, as would beunderstood by those skilled in the art, to generate power for the RFIDsignal capture circuit 43″ responsive to the received interrogationsignal, and a signal mixer and frequency generation module (analog ordigital) 1113, as would be understood by those skilled in the art, tomix received signals and generate a frequency signal as understood bythose skilled in the art. The circuit 43″ can also include, for example,a transmitter power level controller 115, 117 and one or moretransmitter antennas 119, 121 to assist with the transmission of theblocking RF fields or zones, as would be understood by those skilled inthe art.

An embodiment similar to that of the RFID signal capture circuit 43″described above, can functionally include an incoming signal detector todetect incoming signals from the unauthorized RFID interrogation deviceor other form of RFID reader 50, an incoming signal demodulator todemodulate a detected incoming signal, and an RFID signal disrupter ordisruption circuit configured to respond to the RFID reader 50 withdisrupting read signals responsive to the incoming signal, as would beunderstood by those skilled in the art. The disruption circuit caninclude various configurations, one of which includes an RFID signalgenerator as would be understood by those skilled in the art, togenerate an RFID signal at the same data rate as the demodulated signalto thereby disrupt the RFID device's ability to communicate with theunauthorized interrogation device or reader 50.

Another similar embodiment of an RFID signal capture device 43″ canfunctionally include an incoming signal detector to detect incomingsignals from the unauthorized RFID interrogation device or reader 50 andan RFID interferer configured to interfere with activation or operationability of the RFID tag 33 of each separate RFID device (or devices) 30as would be understood by those skilled in the art, responsive to theincoming signal detector so that the RFID reader 50 cannot properly reador have access to information on the RFID device or devices 30. The RFIDinterferer can also interfere with the RFID device (or devices) 30(including those having an anti-collision protocol) so that theanti-collision protocol fails to activate.

Alternatively, for example, for an RFID device (or devices) 30 includingan anti-collision protocol as understood by those skilled in the art,the RFID interferer interferes with a product of the anti-collisionprotocol of the separate RFID device (or devices) 30 when beingtransmitted to the unauthorized RFID reader 50. The RFID interferer, forexample, can include a frequency shift generator as would be understoodby those skilled in the art, to generate a frequency shift above andbelow a center frequency of an RFID communication link to each separateRFID device 30.

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate two examples of more detailed antenna arrays (orinductors), capacitors, diodes, and amplifiers arranged as understood bythose skilled in the art to prevent data transfer between the RFIDreader 50 and the RFID device 30. For example, as understood by thoseskilled in the art, the signal capture circuit 43, 43′, 43″, can be inthe form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 131 usedto interface and respond to an antenna array in a low power design suchas shown in FIG. 10. The low power ASIC 131 can have digital sampling todetect incoming signals from the RFID reader 50 or other interrogationdevice, and can use various signal generation or frequency generationtechniques as understood by those skilled in the art to respond withdisruptive patterns.

As understood by those skilled in the art, and as noted above, RFID tags33 or other circuitry or chips carried by the RFID device 30 often havean anti-collision protocol or program that allow multiple chips to talkto a reader 50. Similarly, the RFID reader circuit 53 may be configuredwith an anti-collision protocol which can cause the RFID reader 50 toslightly off-tune to acquire the signal from an off-tuned RFID tag 33.Beneficially, the above described techniques can generate aninterference with the ability of each RFID tag 33 to activate itsonboard anti-collision protocol(s). Depending on the desires of the userof the RFID signal capture device 40: the anti-collision protocol(s) canbe stopped before activation; the product or result of the protocol canbe attacked or interfaced with during generation or transmission; orboth. A frequency, phase, or amplitude shift generation, for example,above and/or below a center frequency of an RFID communication link, canbe produced by the signal capture circuit to perform search functions.

Alternatively, an analog or discrete design, such as that shown in FIG.11, can demodulate the incoming signal from the interrogation device(s),then broadcast back out at that data rate to suppress the ability of theRFID tag 33 of each RFID device 30 to communicate.

As understood by those skilled in the art, these are only a feweffective examples according to embodiments of systems, combinations,devices and methods of the present invention, other examples andtechniques according to an embodiment of the present invention will beapparent to those skilled in the art.

FIGS. 25-26 illustrate an RFID device 30 in the form of a credit/debitcard carrying the RFID tag 33 and positioned in a separate container(illustrated in the form of a wallet). As can be seen from theillustrations, when an unauthorized RFID interrogation occurs, i.e.,when a scanning device (“interrogation device”) or other form reader 50is positioned within the interrogation response field or e-field 37 ofthe RFID tag and attempts to read the separate RFID device 30 fromwithin the container 141, the data (e.g., credit/debit card accountnumber, account ID, PIN, or any other data stored on the tag 33) can bereadily extracted.

In contrast, FIGS. 27-30, along with FIGS. 1-3, illustrate an example ofan embodiment of a combination of the separate RFID device 30 containinga RFID tag 33 and a separate RFID signal capture device 40 containing asignal capture circuit 43, each configured to be positioned separatelyinto, or to be associated with, both the body 41 of the RFID signalcapture device 40 functioning as a container 41 carrying the circuit 43,and/or a separate container 141. Accordingly, the combination includes aseparate RFID device and/or devices 30 configured to be positioned inthe container 141 with a separate RFID signal capture device 40,illustrated in the form of a plastic card similar to a credit card,configured to be positioned adjacent the separate RFID device and/ordevices 30 and in the container 141. That is, in the example shown inFIG. 27, the single RFID signal capture device 40 placed in a walletpocket provides protection to multiple RFID devices 30, simultaneously.Note, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the signalcapture circuit 43 can be directly embedded within or otherwise carriedby the container 141 adjacent to the card carrying portion (e.g.,wallet/purse credit card slot, etc.) to allow automatic protectionmerely by placing the RFID device and/or devices 30 (e.g., creditcard(s)) in the appropriate credit card slot, etc., of the container141.

In operation, when an unauthorized RFID interrogation occurs, i.e., whena scanning device (“interrogation device”) or other form reader 50attempts to read the separate protected RFID device/devices 30 fromwithin the container 141 (see, e.g., FIG. 28), the separate RFID signalcapture device 40 positioned adjacent the separate RFID device/devices30 prevents the attempted interrogation or read. When an authorized userU desires to use one of the separate RFID device 30 for an authorizedread, such as an authorized interrogation device 50, the authorized userU can selectively remove either the desired separate RFID device 30 orthe separate RFID signal capture device 40 and present the separate RFIDdevice 30 (within or outside of the container as long as sufficientlyseparated) for the authorized read by an authorized reader 50′ (see,e.g., FIG. 29). Note, when the RFID signal capture device 40 isprotecting multiple RFID devices 30, a preferred, if not required,procedure would be to remove the desired RFID device 30 to allow anauthorized read by an authorized reader (e.g., reader 50′ in FIG. 29),while maintaining protection of the remaining RFID devices 30 located,for example, in the container 141.

Note, the container 141 to carry the RFID signal capture device 40, forexample, can be in the form of a wallet, a passport, a purse, a folder,a pocket, an envelope, a card holder, a sleeve, and/or a display mount,just to name a few. According to embodiments where the signal capturecircuit 43 is directly carried by the container 141, rather thanindirectly via a separate container such as, for example, theillustrated body 41 of a plastic card (see, e.g., FIG. 1), the portionof the container 141 carrying the circuit 43 functionally becomes theRFID signal capture device 40 referred to herein. According to suchembodiments, the container 141 can also include other items therein,such as other credit or debit cards, money, jewelry, paper or sheets asunderstood by those skilled in the art. Note also, the container 141 isillustrated in FIGS. 25-30 as a separate holder for credit or debitcards, disembodied from the “plastic card” embodiment shown in FIG. 1and in FIGS. 25-30. As understood by those skilled in the art, however,numerous other types of containers or configurations are within thescope of the present invention to include a passport and clip or tag fora page in a passport (see, e.g., FIG. 32), and a readily removable clipor tag for a credit or debit card (not shown), just to name a few.

As noted above, an RFID device 30, for example, can be a credit card, adebit card, other transaction card (e.g. telephone, gift, electronic,smart) a passport, a passport cover or page, a drivers license, or otherdevice containing an RFID tag 33 as understood by those skilled in theart. FIGS. 1-3 and 25-30 illustrate credit or debit cards as RFIDdevices 30, and FIGS. 31-32 illustrate passports as RFID devices 30′.These are only for illustrative purposes and many other types of deviceshaving RFID tags 33 associated therewith can be used as well accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. Similarly, as noted above, anembodiment of a separate RFID signal capture device 40, for example,likewise can be a credit or debit card or other transaction card, tag,clip, sheet, or other device that also has circuitry or a chip 43.

As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 2-3 and 28, an RFID interrogation deviceor other form of reader 50 can be positioned separate and spaced-apartfrom an RFID device 30 a selected distance X and an interrogationresponse field or e-field 37 from the RFID tag 33 of the RFID device 30can be generated by the RFID device 30 in response to the interrogation.Concurrently, for example, a second e-field 47 can also be generated bythe RFID signal capture device 40 in response to the same interrogationto thereby generate a blocking zone 59 such as by disrupting theinterrogation signals, interfering with the transmitting signal from theRFID device 30, or other techniques understood by those skilled in theart, including those detailed previously.

Likewise, as shown in FIGS. 31-32, an RFID device 30′ such as in theform of a passport or passport cover can have RFID or other contactlesscircuitry or chip 33 associated therewith and can generate the RFe-field 37 responsive to the interrogation. An RFID or other contactlesscircuitry signal capture device 40′, such as in the form of a tag, clip,or page marker also having the RFID or other contactless blockingcircuitry (e.g., signal capture circuit 43, 43′, 43″), can be attachedto the passport 30′, such as one of the pages thereof, to generate an RFblocking field 75 or blocking zone 59, such as described previously.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-33, embodiments of the present invention alsoinclude methods of preventing data transfer between a nearby RFIDinterrogation device or other reader 50 and an RFID transponder or tag33 to thereby enhance protection against unauthorized access to RFID orother contactless chip devices, and/or to prevent unauthorized trackingof the user based on the data stored in the tag 33. For example, anembodiment of such a method can include positioning a separate RFIDsignal capture device 40 adjacent one or more separate RFID devices 30to block or otherwise prevent RFID interrogation and selectivelyseparating a selected RFID device 30 from the separate RFID signalcapture device 40 for authorized interrogation of the selected RFIDdevice 30. The positioning, for example, can include either the separateRFID signal capture device 40 or the separate one or more RFID devices30 being in a container 141 prior to positioning the separate RFIDsignal capture device 40, adjacent the separate one or more RFID devices30. The prevented or otherwise disrupted RFID interrogation can includean unauthorized RFID interrogation. The container 141, for example, caninclude a wallet, a passport, a purse, a folder, a pocket, an envelope,a sleeve, a card holder, and a display mount. The blocking/prevention ofthe RFID interrogation, for example, can interfere with the activationof an anti-collision protocol associated with each separate RFID device30 or interfere with the transmission of an anti-collision protocolassociated with each separate RFID device 30, for example.Alternatively, the blocking/prevention of the RFID interrogation caninclude providing disrupting read signals responsive to an attemptedinterrogation of the separate one or more RFID devices 30. Note, one ofordinary skill in the art would understand that the components andmethods described with respect to each respective RFID device 30 areequally applicable to RFID device 30′ shown, for example, in FOG. 31.

Another embodiment of a method of enhanced protection againstunauthorized interrogation of a contactless circuiting device includespositioning a separate contactless signal capture device (e.g., RFIDsignal capture device 40, 40′) in association with a container andadjacent each separate contactless circuitry device to be protected(e.g., RFID device 30, 30′) to thereby block or otherwise preventunauthorized interrogation of the separate contactless circuitrydevice/devices, and selectively separating a separate contactlesscircuitry device from being adjacent the separate contactless signalcapture device for authorized interrogation of the separate contactlesscircuitry device. Contactless circuitry of the separate contactlesscircuitry device to be protected, for example, can be in the form ofvarious contactless devices to include RFID, Bluetooth, WI-FI, radiofrequency microwave frequency, cellular frequency, global positioningsystem, and optical/infrared (with some modifications).

Another embodiment of a method of preventing data transfer between anearby RFID reader 50 and an RFID transponder “tag” 33 containing datato be protected generally carried by an RFID device 30, 30′, can includethe steps of inductively coupling an RFID signal capture device 40, 40′,with the RFID tag 33 and the RFID reader 50 to thereby effectivelyprevent data transfer between the RFID tag 33 and the nearby RFID reader50 when the RFID signal capture device 40, 40′, is positioned by a userin close proximity to the RFID tag 33 and when the RFID reader 50 isproducing an interrogation signal (block 201). The step of preventingdata transfer can also include inductively coupling the RFID signalcapture device 40, 40′, with the RFID tag 33 when positioned in closeproximity to the RFID tag 33 and when the RFID tag 33 is producing areply to an interrogation signal. This step can also include preventingdata transfer between the RFID reader 50 and multiple protected RFIDtags 33, simultaneously, to include inductively coupling the RFID signalcapture device 40, 40′, with at least one, but preferably each of theprotected RFID tags 33 when positioned in close proximity to the RFIDtags 33, such as, for example, when placed together in a credit cardsection of a wallet/purse, etc., and when the respective RFID tags 33are being interrogated with an interrogation signal and/or producing areply to the interrogation signal.

A method can also include indicating to the user of the RFID tag 33 thatthe RFID reader 50 is attempting to interrogate the RFID tag 33 (or tags33 if multiple are being protected) when the RFID reader 50 is producingthe interrogation signal and when the RFID signal capture device 40,40′, is in close proximity to the RFID tag 33 (block 203). Accordingly,the step of indicating to the user of the RFID tag 33 that the RFIDreader 50 is attempting to interrogate the RFID tag 33 can includeilluminating a visual indicator 68 carried by the RFID signal capturedevice 40, 40′, and/or sounding an audible indicator 68 carried by theRFID signal capture device 40, 40′. Note, the RFID signal capture device40, 40′, can be configured so that such indication is not provided whenthe RFID signal capture device 40, 40′, is not in close proximity to theRFID tag 33.

The method can also include allowing data to transfer between the RFIDdevice 40, 40′, and an RFID reader 50 by selectively substantiallyseparating the RFID signal capture device 40, 40′, from being adjacentthe RFID tag 33 to allow authorized interrogation of the RFID tag 33(block 205). Accordingly, the RFID signal capture device 40, 40′, can beconfigured to not interfere with operation of the RFID reader 50 whenthe RFID signal capture device 40, 40′, is not positioned in closeproximity to an RFID tag 33. Further, according to a preferredconfiguration, the RFID signal capture device 40, 40′ is generallyadapted to provide a visual or audible indication of an interrogationsignal when positioned sufficiently close to the RFID reader 50,regardless of its position with respect to the RFID device 30, 30′.Still further, the RFID signal capture device 40, 40′, can alternativelybe configured to provide a visual or audible indication of data transferwhen the RFID signal capture device 40, 40′, is not positioned in closeproximity to the RFID tag 33 so as not to disrupt communication betweenthe RFID device 30, 30′, and the RFID reader 50 as long as the REIDsignal capture device 40, 40′, is positioned sufficiently close to theRFID reader 50.

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/581,896, filed Oct. 17, 2006, titled “RFID Protection System, Device,Combination, and Related Methods,” which claims the priority to and thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/731,750, filedOct. 31, 2005, titled “RFID Protection System, Device, Combination, andRelated Methods,” each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed a typicalpreferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms areemployed, the terms are used in a descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation. The invention has been described in considerabledetail with specific reference to these illustrated embodiments. It willbe apparent, however, that various modifications and changes can be madewithin the spirit and scope of the invention as described in theforegoing specification. For example, the above and exemplaryembodiments generally referred to RFID transponders/tags functioning at13.56 MHz, it should be understood that applications according to otherfrequencies such as, for example, 900 MHz, and others, are within thescope of the present invention. Also, for example, although primarilydescribed with respect to a single RFID tag 33 on a single RFID device,applications of the RFID signal capture device 40, 40′ include those tonot only protect a single RFID device 30, 30′ carrying a single RFID tag33, or multiple RFID devices 30, 30′ each carrying a separate singleindependent RFID tag 33, but also single or multiple RFID devices 30,30′, each carrying multiple RFID tags 33, having an anti-collisionprotocol and/or tuned for different frequencies.

1. A radio frequency identification (RFID) signal capture device toprevent data transfer between a nearby RFID reader and at least one RFIDdevice including one or more RFID transponders storing data andconfigured to inductively couple with the RFID reader to provide datathereto when interrogated therewith, the RFID signal capture devicecomprising: a container; a signal capture circuit carried by thecontainer and configured to mutually inductively couple with the one ormore RFID transponders when positioned in close proximity thereto andwhen the RFID reader is producing an interrogation signal of sufficientstrength to interrogate the one or more RFID transponders, to therebyeffectively prevent data transfer between the one or more RFIDtransponders and the RFID reader, the signal capture circuit including:a signal capture circuit antenna assembly positioned to receive theinterrogation signal from the RFID reader, the interrogation signalincluding an interrogation carrier signal carrying a data signal, and atiming synchronizer positioned to return a modified carrier signalresponsive to the interrogation signal to thereby effectively preventdata transfer between the RFID reader and the one or more RFIDtransponders; and an interrogation indicator carried by the containerand configured to indicate to a user of the at least one RFID deviceincluding the one or more RFID transponders when the RFID reader isproducing the interrogation signal of sufficient strength to interrogatethe one or more RFID transponders, the interrogator indicator including:an interrogation indicator antenna positioned to receive theinterrogation signal from the RFID reader, and an indicator comprisingone or more of the following types of indicators: an audible indicatorand a visual indicator, configured to indicate to the user of the RFIDtransponder that the RFID reader is attempting to interrogate the RFIDtransponder when the RFID signal capture device is positioned in closeproximity to the RFID transponder and when the RFID reader is producingthe interrogation signal of sufficient strength to interrogate the RFIDtransponder.
 2. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the signalcapture circuit is configured to mutually inductively couple with theRFID reader when positioned in close proximity to the one or more RFIDtransponders and when the RFID reader is producing an interrogationsignal of sufficient strength to interrogate the one or more RFIDtransponders to thereby effectively prevent data transfer between theone or more RFID transponders and the RFID reader; and wherein thesignal capture circuit is configured so that when the RFID signalcapture device is not positioned in close proximity to an RFIDtransponder, the RFID signal capture device will not interfere withoperation of the RFID reader.
 3. A device as defined in claim 2, whereinthe signal capture circuit is configured to mutually inductively couplewith the one or more RFID transponders when positioned in closeproximity to the one or more RFID transponders and when the one or moreRFID transponders is producing a reply to interrogation signalresponsive to an interrogation by the RFID reader to thereby effectivelyprevent data transfer between the one or more RFID transponders and theRFID reader; and wherein the signal capture circuit is configured sothat when the RFID signal capture device is not positioned in closeproximity to the one or more RFID transponders, the RFID signal capturedevice will not inductively couple with either of the following: theRFID reader and the one or more RFID transponders.
 4. A device asdefined in claim 1, wherein the signal capture circuit antenna assemblycomprises an un-tuned signal capture circuit antenna assembly having anun-tuned signal capture circuit antenna; wherein the one or more RFIDtransponders comprise a plurality of RFID transponders each positionedin close proximity to the un-tuned signal capture circuit antenna of thesignal capture circuit when the RFID signal capture device is operablypositioned to protect the plurality of RFID transponders so that theun-tuned signal capture circuit antenna is within an interrogationresponse field range of each of the plurality of RFID transponders;wherein each of the plurality of REID transponders store one or more ofthe following types of data: unique personal data, a unique indicatorusable to access personal data, unique financial data, and a uniqueindicator usable to access financial data; wherein the at least one RFIDdevice includes a plurality of RFID devices each carrying a separate oneor more of the plurality of RFID transponders; and wherein the signalcapture circuit is adapted to mutually inductively couple with both theRFID reader and at least one of the plurality of RFID transpondersresponsive to being positioned in close proximity to the at least one ofthe plurality of RFID transponders and responsive to the RFID readerproducing an interrogation signal of sufficient strength to interrogatethe at least one of the plurality of RFID transponders to disrupt aninterrogation response field associated with the at least one of theplurality of transponders to thereby effectively prevent data transferbetween the RFID reader and each of the plurality of RFID transponders.5. A device as defined in claim 4, wherein the signal capture circuit isadapted to simultaneously mutually inductively couple with each of theplurality of RFID transponders responsive to being positioned in closeproximity to each of the plurality of RFID transponders so that theun-tuned signal capture circuit antenna is within an interrogationresponse field range of each of the plurality of RFID transponders, andresponsive to each of the RFID transponders separately producing a replyto the interrogation signal to thereby effectively prevent data transferbetween each of the plurality of RFID transponders and the RFID readerwhen the interrogation signal is insufficiently disrupted and datacarried in the interrogation signal is received by the plurality of RFIDtransponders.
 6. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the modifiedcarrier signal returned by the timing synchronizer includes aphase-adjusted carrier signal responsive to the interrogation signal tothereby effectively prevent data transfer between the RFID reader andthe one or more RFID transponders.
 7. A device as defined in claim 6,wherein the signal capture circuit further comprises a data separatorpositioned to separate the data signal from the interrogation signal toprovide the timing synchronizer a reference to the interrogation carriersignal to thereby facilitate the phase adjustment; and wherein thephase-shifted carrier signal returned by the timing synchronizer has aphase shift of at least approximately 90 degrees to that of theinterrogation carrier signal to thereby effectively prevent the datatransfer between the RFID reader and the one or more RFID transponders.8. A device as defined in claim 7, wherein the interrogation indicatorfurther comprises a voltage rectifier positioned to provide operationalinterrogation indicator power responsive to the interrogation signal;wherein the signal capture circuit further comprises a voltage rectifierpositioned to provide operational signal capture circuit powerresponsive to the interrogation signal; and wherein the RFID signalcapture device does not include a battery to power the signal capturecircuit.
 9. A device as defined in claim 7, wherein the phase-shiftedcarrier signal has a phase shift of approximately 180 degrees to that ofthe interrogation carrier signal.
 10. A device as defined in claim 7,wherein the signal capture circuit further includes: a data detectorpositioned to provide the data signal to the timing synchronizer andpositioned to facilitate data modulation of the phase-adjusted carriersignal, the data modulated signal having a different data signal thanthe data signal received from the RFID reader to thereby furthereffectively prevent data transfer between the one or more RFIDtransponders and the RFID reader, the data modulation comprising one ormore of the following: frequency-based data modulation, phase-based datamodulation, and amplitude-based data modulation.
 11. A device as definedin claim 1, wherein the signal capture circuit further includes: a datadetector positioned to provide the data signal to the timingsynchronizer and positioned to facilitate data modulation of thesynchronized carrier signal, the data modulation having a different datasignal than the data signal received from the RFID reader to therebyfurther effectively prevent data transfer between the one or more RFIDtransponders and the RFID reader, the data modulation comprising one ormore of the following: frequency-based data modulation, phase-based datamodulation, and amplitude-based data modulation.
 12. A device as definedin claim 1, wherein the modified carrier signal returned by the timingsynchronizer includes a synchronized carrier signal responsive to theinterrogation signal to thereby effectively prevent data transferbetween the RFID reader and the one or more RFID transponders; andwherein the signal capture circuit further includes a data separatorpositioned to separate the data signal from the interrogation signal toprovide the timing synchronizer a reference to the interrogation carriersignal.
 13. A radio frequency identification (RFID) signal capturedevice to prevent data transfer between a nearby RFID reader and an RFIDdevice including an RFID transponder storing data and configured toinductively couple with the RFID reader to provide data thereto wheninterrogated therewith, the RFID signal capture device comprising: acontainer; a signal capture circuit carried by the container andconfigured to mutually inductively couple with the RFID transponder whenpositioned in close proximity thereto and when the RFID reader isproducing an interrogation signal of sufficient strength to interrogatethe RFID transponder to thereby effectively prevent data transferbetween the RFID transponder and the RFID reader; and an interrogationindicator carried by the container and configured to indicate to a userof the RFID device that the RFID reader is attempting to interrogate theRFID transponder when the RFID signal capture device is positioned inclose proximity thereto and when the RFID reader is producing theinterrogation signal of sufficient strength to interrogate the RFIDtransponder.
 14. A device as defined in claim 13, wherein the signalcapture circuit is configured to mutually inductively couple with theRFID reader when positioned in close proximity to the RFID transponderand when the RFID reader is producing an interrogation signal ofsufficient strength to interrogate the RFID transponder to therebyeffectively prevent data transfer between the RFID transponder and theRFID reader; and wherein the signal capture circuit is configured sothat when the RFID signal capture device is not positioned in closeproximity to the RFID transponder, the RFID signal capture device willnot interfere with operation of the RFID reader.
 15. A device as definedin claim 14, wherein the signal capture circuit is configured tomutually inductively couple with the RFID transponder when positioned inclose proximity to the RFID transponder and when the RFID transponder isproducing a reply to interrogation signal to thereby effectively preventdata transfer between the RFID transponder and the RFID reader; andwherein the signal capture circuit is configured so that when the RFIDsignal capture device is not positioned in close proximity to the RFIDtransponder, the RFID signal capture device will not inductively couplewith either of the following: the RFID reader and the RFID transponder.16. A device as defined in claim 13, wherein the interrogation indicatorcomprises: an antenna positioned to receive an interrogation signal fromthe RFID reader; a voltage rectifier positioned to provide operationalinterrogator indicator circuit power to the interrogation indicatorresponsive to the interrogation signal when the RFID signal capturedevice is positioned in close proximity to the RFID reader and when theRFID reader is producing the interrogation signal of sufficient strengthto interrogate the RFID transponder; and an audible indicator adapted toindicate to the user of the RFID transponder that the RFID reader isattempting to interrogate the RFID transponder when the RFID signalcapture device is positioned in close proximity to the RFID transponderand when the RFID reader is producing the interrogation signal ofsufficient strength to interrogate the RFID transponder.
 17. A device asdefined in claim 13, wherein the interrogation indicator comprises: anantenna positioned to receive an interrogation signal from the RFIDreader; a voltage rectifier positioned to provide operationalinterrogator indicator circuit power to the interrogation indicatorresponsive to the interrogation signal when the RFID signal capturedevice is positioned in close proximity to the RFID reader and when theRFID reader is producing the interrogation signal of sufficient strengthto interrogate the RFID transponder; and a visual indicator adapted toindicate to the user of the RFID transponder that the RFID reader isattempting to interrogate the RFID transponder when the RFID signalcapture device is positioned in close proximity to the RFID transponderand when the RFID reader is producing the interrogation signal ofsufficient strength to interrogate the RFID transponder to thereby alertthe user of the attempted interrogation.
 18. A device as defined inclaim 13, wherein the signal capture circuit comprises: a signal capturecircuit antenna positioned to receive an interrogation signal from theRFID reader, the interrogation signal comprising a modulatedinterrogation carrier signal carrying a data signal; and a timingsynchronizer positioned to return a phase-adjusted carrier signalresponsive to the interrogation signal to thereby effectively preventdata transfer between the RFID reader and the RFID transponder.
 19. Adevice as defined in claim 18, wherein the signal capture circuitfurther comprises a data separator positioned to separate the datasignal from the interrogation signal to provide the timing synchronizera reference to the interrogation carrier signal to facilitate the phaseadjustment; and wherein the phase-shifted carrier signal returned by thetiming synchronizer has a phase shift of at least approximately 90degrees to that of the interrogation carrier signal to therebyeffectively prevent the data transfer between the RFID reader and theRFID transponder.
 20. A device as defined in claim 19, wherein thephase-shifted carrier signal has a phase shift of approximately 180degrees to that of the interrogation carrier signal; wherein the signalcapture circuit further comprises a voltage rectifier positioned toprovide operational signal capture circuit power responsive to theinterrogation signal; and wherein the RFID signal capture device doesnot include a battery to power the signal capture circuit.
 21. A deviceas defined in claim 19, wherein the signal capture circuit furthercomprises: a data detector positioned to provide the data signal to thetiming synchronizer and positioned to facilitate data modulation of thephase-adjusted carrier signal, the data modulated signal having adifferent data signal than the data signal received from the RFID readerto thereby further effectively prevent data transfer between the RFIDtransponder and the RFID reader, the data modulation comprising one ormore of the following: frequency-based data modulation, phase-based datamodulation, and amplitude-based data modulation.
 22. A device as definedin claim 13, wherein the signal capture circuit comprises: a signalcapture circuit antenna positioned to receive an interrogation signalfrom the RFID reader, the interrogation signal including aninterrogation carrier signal carrying a data signal; a timingsynchronizer positioned to return a modulated carrier signal responsiveto the interrogation signal to thereby effectively prevent data transferbetween the RFID reader and the RFID transponder; and a data detectorpositioned to provide the data signal to the timing synchronizer tofacilitate data modulation of the synchronized carrier signal, the datamodulation having a different data signal than the data signal receivedfrom the RFID reader to thereby further effectively prevent datatransfer between an RFID transponder and the RFID reader, the datamodulation comprising one or more of the following: frequency-based datamodulation, phase-based data modulation, and amplitude-based datamodulation.
 23. A device as defined in claim 13, wherein the signalcapture circuit further comprises: a signal capture circuit antennapositioned to receive an interrogation signal from the RFID reader, theinterrogation signal including an interrogation carrier signal carryinga data signal; a timing synchronizer positioned to return a synchronizedcarrier signal responsive to the interrogation signal to therebyeffectively prevent data transfer between the RFID reader and the RFIDtransponder; and a data separator positioned to separate the data signalfrom the interrogation signal to provide the timing synchronizer areference to the interrogation carrier signal.
 24. A device as definedin claim 13, wherein the signal capture circuit comprises an un-tunedsignal capture circuit antenna to mutually inductively couple with boththe RFID reader and at least one of a plurality of RFID transpondersresponsive to being positioned in close proximity thereto and responsiveto the RFID reader producing an interrogation signal of sufficientstrength to interrogate the at least one of the plurality of RFIDtransponders to disrupt an interrogation response field associated withthe at least one of the plurality of transponders to thereby effectivelyprevent data transfer between each of the plurality of RFID transpondersand the RFID reader, the plurality of RFID transponders each positionedin close proximity to the un-tuned signal capture circuit antenna of thesignal capture circuit when the RFID signal capture device is operablypositioned to protect the plurality of RFID transponders so that theun-tuned signal capture circuit antenna is within an interrogationresponse field range of each of the plurality of RFID transponders. 25.A device as defined in claim 13, wherein the signal capture circuitcomprises: a signal capture circuit antenna assembly including a signalcapture circuit antenna positioned to receive an interrogation signalfrom the RFD reader when the signal capture circuit is positioned inclose proximity to the RFID transponder and when the RFID reader isproducing the interrogation signal of sufficient strength to interrogatethe RFID transponder, the interrogation signal comprising a modulatedinterrogation carrier signal carrying a data signal, the signal capturecircuit antenna assembly being not tuned to prevent operationalactivation affecting the RFID reader when not employed to protect anRFID transponder; a timing synchronizer positioned to return aphase-adjusted carrier signal responsive to the interrogation signal,the phase-shifted carrier signal having a phase shift of approximately180 degrees to that of the interrogation carrier signal; a dataseparator positioned to separate the data signal from the interrogationsignal to provide the timing synchronizer a reference to theinterrogation carrier signal to facilitate the phase adjustment; a datadetector positioned to provide the data signal to the timingsynchronizer and positioned to facilitate data modulation of thephase-adjusted carrier signal, the data modulated phase-adjusted signalhaving a different data signal than the data signal included in theinterrogation signal, the data modulation comprising one or more of thefollowing: frequency-based data modulation, phase-based data modulation,and amplitude-based data modulation; a voltage rectifier positioned toprovide operational signal capture circuit power responsive to theinterrogation signal when the RFID signal capture device is positionedin close proximity to the RFID transponder and when the RFID reader isproducing the interrogation signal of sufficient strength to interrogatethe RFID transponder; and an amplifier positioned to receive thephase-adjusted carrier signal from the timing synchronizer to providethe phase-adjusted carrier signal to the signal capture circuit antennato be provided to thereby effectively prevent data transfer between theRFID reader and the RFID transponder, the amplifier comprising one ormore of the following: a single transistor, a multi-stage transistorcircuit, and an operational amplifier.
 26. A device as defined in claim13, wherein the signal capture circuit comprises: a signal capturecircuit antenna assembly including a signal capture circuit antennapositioned to receive an interrogation signal from the RFID reader whenthe signal capture circuit is positioned in close proximity to the RFIDtransponder and when the RFID reader is producing the interrogationsignal of sufficient strength to interrogate the RFID transponder, theinterrogation signal comprising a modulated interrogation carrier signalcarrying a data signal, the signal capture circuit antenna assemblybeing not tuned to prevent operational activation affecting the RFIDreader when not employed to protect an RFID transponder; a timingsynchronizer positioned to return a modulated carrier signalsynchronized with the interrogation signal responsive to theinterrogation signal; a data separator positioned to separate the datasignal from the interrogation signal to provide the timing synchronizera reference to the interrogation carrier signal; a data detectorpositioned to provide the data signal to the timing synchronizer tofacilitate data modulation of the synchronized carrier signal by thetiming synchronizer, the data modulated signal including a differentdata signal than the data signal included in the interrogation signal,the data modulation comprising one or more of the following:frequency-based data modulation, phase-based data modulation, andamplitude-based data modulation; a voltage rectifier positioned toprovide operational signal capture circuit power responsive to theinterrogation signal when the RFID signal capture device is positionedin close proximity to the RFID transponder and when the RFID reader isproducing the interrogation signal of sufficient strength to interrogatethe RFID transponder; and an amplifier positioned to receive themodulated carrier signal from the timing synchronizer to provide thedata modulated carrier signal to the signal capture circuit antenna tobe provided to thereby effectively prevent data transfer between theRFID reader and the RFID transponder, the amplifier comprising one ormore of the following: a single transistor, a multi-stage transistorcircuit, and an operational amplifier.
 27. A device as defined in claim26, wherein the RFID signal capture device does not include a battery topower the signal capture circuit.
 28. A device as defined in claim 13,wherein the signal capture circuit comprises: an antenna array having aplurality of antennas positioned to receive an interrogation signal fromthe RFID reader when the signal capture circuit is positioned in closeproximity to the RFID transponder and when the RFID reader is producingthe interrogation signal of sufficient strength to interrogate the RFIDtransponder, the interrogation signal comprising a modulatedinterrogation carrier signal carrying a data signal; and an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC) positioned to interface and respondto the interrogation signal received by the antenna array to therebyeffectively prevent data transfer between the RFID reader and the RFIDtransponder, the ASIC providing digital sampling to detect the datasignal received from the RFID reader.
 29. A device as defined in claim13, wherein the signal capture circuit comprises: an antenna arrayhaving a plurality of antennas positioned to receive an interrogationsignal from the RFID reader, the interrogation signal comprising amodulated interrogation carrier signal carrying a data signal; aplurality of inverters positioned to demodulate the interrogation signaland to provide to the plurality of antennas, a signal having a same datarate as the interrogation signal to thereby effectively prevent datatransfer between the RFID reader and the RFID transponder; and a voltagerectifier positioned to provide operational power to the plurality ofinverters responsive to the interrogation signal when the RFID signalcapture device is positioned in close proximity to the RFID transponderand when the RFID reader is producing the interrogation signal ofsufficient strength to interrogate the RFID transponder.
 30. A device asdefined in claim 13, wherein the signal capture circuit comprises: areceiver antenna positioned to receive an interrogation signal from theRFID reader, the interrogation signal comprising a modulatedinterrogation carrier signal carrying a data signal a demodulatoroperably coupled to the receiver antenna to demodulate the receivedinterrogation signal; a frequency generator positioned to generate adisruptive transmission signal having a center frequency above and belowthat of the interrogation carrier signal; a transmitter antenna; atransmitter power level controller operably coupled to the frequencygenerator and to the transmitter antenna to provide the disruptivetransmission signal to the transmitter antenna for transmission tothereby effectively prevent data transfer between the RFID reader andthe RFID transponder; and a power generator operably coupled to thedemodulator to receive supply power and positioned to provide power tothe frequency generator and the transmitter power level controllerresponsive to the interrogation signal when the RFID signal capturedevice is positioned in close proximity to the RFID transponder and whenthe RFID reader is producing the interrogation signal of sufficientstrength to interrogate the RFID transponder.
 31. A radio frequencyidentification (RFID) signal capture device to prevent data transferbetween a nearby RFID reader and an RFID device including an RFIDtransponder storing data and configured to inductively couple with theRFID reader to provide data thereto when interrogated therewith, theRFID signal capture device comprising: a container; and a signal capturecircuit carried by the container and configured to mutually inductivelycouple with the RFID transponder when positioned in close proximitythereto and when the RFID reader is producing an interrogation signal ofsufficient strength to interrogate the RFID transponder and to preventdata transfer between the RFID transponder and the RFID readerresponsive to being positioned in close proximity to the RFIDtransponder and responsive to the RFID reader producing an interrogationsignal of sufficient strength to interrogate the RFID transponder.
 32. Adevice as defined in claim 31, wherein the RFID signal capture devicefurther comprises: an interrogation indicator carried by the containerand configured to indicate to a user of the RFID device that the RFIDreader is attempting to interrogate the RFID transponder when the RFIDsignal capture device is positioned in close proximity thereto and whenthe RFID reader is producing an interrogation signal of sufficientstrength to interrogate the RFID transponder.
 33. A device as defined inclaim 31, wherein the signal capture circuit comprises: a signal capturecircuit antenna positioned to receive an interrogation signal from theRFID reader, the interrogation signal comprising a modulatedinterrogation carrier signal carrying a data signal; and a timingsynchronizer positioned to return a phase-adjusted carrier signalresponsive to the interrogation signal to thereby effectively preventdata transfer between the RFID reader and the RFID transponder.
 34. Adevice as defined in claim 33, wherein the signal capture circuitfurther comprises a data separator positioned to separate the datasignal from the interrogation signal to provide the timing synchronizera reference to the interrogation carrier signal to facilitate the phaseadjustment; wherein the phase-shifted carrier signal returned by thetiming synchronizer has a phase shift of at least approximately 90degrees to that of the interrogation carrier signal to therebyeffectively prevent the data transfer between the RFID reader and theRFID transponder; and wherein the RFID signal capture device does notinclude a battery to power the signal capture circuit.
 35. A device asdefined in claim 33, wherein the signal capture circuit furthercomprises: a data detector positioned to provide the data signal to thetiming synchronizer and positioned to facilitate data modulation of thephase-adjusted carrier signal, the data modulated signal having adifferent data signal than the data signal received from the RFID readerto thereby further effectively prevent data transfer between the RFIDtransponder and the RFID reader, the data modulation comprising one ormore of the following: frequency-based data modulation, phase-based datamodulation, and amplitude-based data modulation.
 36. A device as definedin claim 31, wherein the signal capture circuit comprises: a signalcapture circuit antenna positioned to receive an interrogation signalfrom the RFID reader, the interrogation signal including aninterrogation carrier signal carrying a data signal; a timingsynchronizer positioned to return a modulated carrier signal responsiveto the interrogation signal to thereby effectively prevent data transferbetween the RFID reader and the RFID transponder; and a data detectorpositioned to provide the data signal to the timing synchronizer tofacilitate data modulation of the synchronized carrier signal, the datamodulation having a different data signal than the data signal receivedfrom the RFID reader to thereby further effectively prevent datatransfer between an RFID transponder and the RFID reader, the datamodulation comprising one or more of the following: frequency-based datamodulation, phase-based data modulation, and amplitude-based datamodulation.
 37. A device as defined in claim 31, wherein the signalcapture circuit further comprises: a signal capture circuit antennapositioned to receive an interrogation signal from the RFID reader, theinterrogation signal including an interrogation carrier signal carryinga data signal; a timing synchronizer positioned to return a synchronizedcarrier signal responsive to the interrogation signal to therebyeffectively prevent data transfer between the RFID reader and the RFIDtransponder; and a data separator positioned to separate the data signalfrom the interrogation signal to provide the timing synchronizer areference to the interrogation carrier signal.
 38. A device as definedin claim 31, wherein the signal capture circuit comprises an un-tunedsignal capture circuit antenna to mutually inductively couple with boththe RFID reader and at least one of a plurality of RFID transpondersresponsive to being positioned in close proximity thereto and responsiveto the RFID reader producing an interrogation signal of sufficientstrength to interrogate the at least one of the plurality of RFIDtransponders to disrupt an interrogation response field associated withthe at least one of the plurality of transponders to thereby effectivelyprevent data transfer between each of the plurality of RFID transpondersand the RFID reader, the plurality of RFID transponders each positionedin close proximity to the un-tuned signal capture circuit antenna of thesignal capture circuit when the RFID signal capture device is operablypositioned to protect the plurality of RFID transponders so that theun-tuned signal capture circuit antenna is within an interrogationresponse field range of each of the plurality of RFID transponders. 39.A device as defined in claim 31, wherein the signal capture circuitcomprises: a signal capture circuit antenna assembly including a signalcapture circuit antenna positioned to receive an interrogation signalfrom the RFID reader when the signal capture circuit is positioned inclose proximity to the RFID transponder and when the RFID reader isproducing the interrogation signal of sufficient strength to interrogatethe RFID transponder, the interrogation signal comprising a modulatedinterrogation carrier signal carrying a data signal, the signal capturecircuit antenna assembly being not tuned to prevent operationalactivation affecting the RFID reader when not employed to protect anRFID transponder; a timing synchronizer positioned to return aphase-adjusted carrier signal responsive to the interrogation signal,the phase-shifted carrier signal having a phase shift of approximately180 degrees to that of the interrogation carrier signal; a dataseparator positioned to separate the data signal from the interrogationsignal to provide the timing synchronizer a reference to theinterrogation carrier signal to facilitate the phase adjustment; a datadetector positioned to provide the data signal to the timingsynchronizer and positioned to facilitate data modulation of thephase-adjusted carrier signal, the data modulated phase-adjusted signalhaving a different data signal than the data signal included in theinterrogation signal, the data modulation comprising one or more of thefollowing: frequency-based data modulation, phase-based data modulation,and amplitude-based data modulation; a voltage rectifier positioned toprovide operational signal capture circuit power responsive to theinterrogation signal when the RFID signal capture device is positionedin close proximity to the RFID transponder and when the RFID reader isproducing the interrogation signal of sufficient strength to interrogatethe RFID transponder; and an amplifier positioned to receive thephase-adjusted carrier signal from the timing synchronizer to providethe phase-adjusted carrier signal to the signal capture circuit antennato be provided to thereby effectively prevent data transfer between theRFID reader and the RFID transponder, the amplifier comprising one ormore of the following: a single transistor, a multi-stage transistorcircuit, and an operational amplifier.
 40. A device as defined in claim31, wherein the signal capture circuit comprises: a signal capturecircuit antenna assembly including a signal capture circuit antennapositioned to receive an interrogation signal from the RFID reader whenthe signal capture circuit is positioned in close proximity to the RFIDtransponder and when the RFID reader is producing the interrogationsignal of sufficient strength to interrogate the RFID transponder, theinterrogation signal comprising a modulated interrogation carrier signalcarrying a data signal, the signal capture circuit antenna assemblybeing not tuned to prevent operational activation affecting the RFIDreader when not employed to protect an RFID transponder; a timingsynchronizer positioned to return a modulated carrier signalsynchronized with the interrogation signal responsive to theinterrogation signal; a data separator positioned to separate the datasignal from the interrogation signal to provide the timing synchronizera reference to the interrogation carrier signal; a data detectorpositioned to provide the data signal to the timing synchronizer tofacilitate data modulation of the synchronized carrier signal by thetiming synchronizer, the data modulated signal including a differentdata signal than the data signal included in the interrogation signal,the data modulation comprising one or more of the following:frequency-based data modulation, phase-based data modulation, andamplitude-based data modulation; a voltage rectifier positioned toprovide operational signal capture circuit power responsive to theinterrogation signal when the RFID signal capture device is positionedin close proximity to the RFID transponder and when the RFID reader isproducing the interrogation signal of sufficient strength to interrogatethe RFID transponder; and an amplifier positioned to receive themodulated carrier signal from the timing synchronizer to provide thedata modulated carrier signal to the signal capture circuit antenna tobe provided to thereby effectively prevent data transfer between theRFID reader and the RFID transponder, the amplifier comprising one ormore of the following: a single transistor, a multi-stage transistorcircuit, and an operational amplifier.
 41. A method of preventing datatransfer between a nearby RFID reader and one or more RFID transpondersincluding data to be protected, the method comprising the steps of:inductively coupling an RFID signal capture device with the one or moreRFID transponders to thereby effectively prevent data transfer betweenthe one or more RFID transponders and the nearby RFID reader when theRFID signal capture device is positioned by a user in close proximity tothe one or more RFID transponders and when the RFID reader is producingan interrogation signal of sufficient strength to interrogate the one ormore RFID transponders, the RFID signal capture device being separatefrom but positioned by the user adjacent to the RFID transponder so thatthe RFID signal capture device is positioned within an interrogationresponse field range of the one or more of RFID transponders; andindicating to the user of the one or more RFID transponders that theRFID reader is attempting to interrogate the one or more RFIDtransponders when the RFID reader is producing the interrogation signaland when the RFID signal capture device is in close proximity to the oneor more RFID transponders.
 42. A method as defined in claim 41, whereinthe step of indicating to the user of the one or more RFID transpondersthat the RFID reader is attempting to interrogate the RFID transponderincludes one or more of the following steps: illuminating a visualindicator carried by the RFID signal capture device; and sounding anaudible indicator carried by the RFID signal capture device.
 43. Amethod as defined in claim 41, further comprising the step of:selectively substantially separating the RFID signal capture device frombeing adjacent the one or more RFID transponder to allow authorizedinterrogation of the one or more RFID transponders, the RFID signalcapture device being configured to not interfere with operation of theRFID reader when the RFID signal capture device is not positioned inclose proximity to the one or more RFID transponders.
 44. A method asdefined in claim 41, further comprising the step of: inductivelycoupling the RFID signal capture device with the RFID reader whenpositioned in close proximity to the one or more RFID transponders andwhen the RFID reader is producing an interrogation signal to therebyeffectively prevent data transfer between the one or more RFIDtransponders and the RFID reader, the RFID signal capture deviceconfigured to include an un-tuned antenna so that when the RFID signalcapture device is not positioned in close proximity to an RFIDtransponder, the RFID signal capture device will not inductively couplewith the RFID reader to thereby selectively prevent interference withoperation of the RFID reader.
 45. A method as defined in claim 41,further comprising the step of: inductively coupling the RFID signalcapture device with at least one of the one or more RFID transponderswhen positioned in close proximity thereto and when the at least one ofthe one or more RFID transponders is producing a reply to interrogationsignal to thereby effectively prevent data transfer between the one ormore RFID transponders and the RFID reader, the RFID signal capturedevice configured to include an un-tuned antenna so that when the RFIDsignal capture device is not positioned in close proximity to the one ormore RFID transponders, the RFID signal capture device will notinductively couple with either of the following: the RFID reader and theone or more RFID transponders.
 46. A method as defined in claim 41,wherein the one or more RFID transponders comprises a plurality of RFIDtransponders each positioned in close proximity to an un-tuned signalcapture circuit antenna of the signal capture circuit when the RFIDsignal capture device is operably positioned to protect the plurality ofRFID transponders so that the un-tuned signal capture circuit antenna iswithin an interrogation response field range of each of the plurality ofRFID transponders; and wherein the method further comprises the step ofinductively coupling the RFID signal capture device with both the RFIDreader and at least one of the plurality of RFID transponders responsiveto being positioned in close proximity to the at least one of theplurality of RFID transponders and responsive to the RFID readerproducing an interrogation signal of sufficient strength to interrogatethe at least one of the plurality of RFID transponders to disrupt an atleast one interrogation response field associated with the at least oneof the plurality of transponders to thereby effectively prevent datatransfer between the RFID reader and each of the plurality of RFIDtransponders.
 47. A method as defined in claim 41, further comprisingthe step of: indicating to the user of the one or more RFID transpondersthat the RFID reader and the one or more RFID transponders aretransferring data therebetween when the RFID reader is producing aninterrogation signal of sufficient strength to interrogate the one ormore RFID transponders and when the RFID signal capture device is inclose proximity to the RFID reader and not in close proximity to the oneor more RFID transponders.
 48. A method as defined in claim 47, whereinthe data transfer indication includes one or more of the following: avisual indication and an audible indication, being distinctive from thatprovided when the interrogation signal of sufficient strength tointerrogate the one or more RFID transponders is being transmitted butno data is being transferred between the RFID reader and the one or moreRFID transponders.